Turn it up: Steel Train

This Jersey band was the opening act for Ben Folds when he came to the Roseland Theater this last year. Their indie folk rock grabbed me when they were on stage, so I purchased their newest release Trampoline. The album has been in constant rotation on my iPod playlist because of its driving harmonies that are backed up by a myriad of instruments. It's full, fun, and hardly misses. Give "Alone at Sea," "Women I belong to," and "Firecracker" a listen.

Since buying Trampoline, I've also tried out one of their early albums, Twilight Tales fromt the Prairies of the Sun. It's heartfelt with strong songwriting but lacks some of the punch of Trampoline. It's a less evolved version of the band but still worth listening to.

Clash of the Titans! I hope this one doesn't disappoint. I was a huge fan of the original stop-animation version from 1981, so my expectations will be high. Sign me up though. I'm one of the few film critics (self-appointed title) that believes remakes can be a wonderful thing. They just have to be done right.

Noooooooooooooo! What's next, a Goonies remake?

**Here's a fun alternative to the Christmas card I helped concept and write at work**

The Frank Holiday Chain Letter

At Frank Creative (the place of my employment) we wanted to wish everyone on Earth a Happy Holiday Season. Unfortunately, we don't know everyone on Earth. But we wouldn't let a silly thing like that stop us from trying. So don't break the chain...or else! Happy Holidays to all.

(Click the image to read the Frank Holiday Chain Letter)

Pass the Popcorn: Inglorious Bastards

This is a quick two-part review for Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Bastards.


Part 1: As a general movie goer, Bastards has some real appeal. It's funny, quirky, suspenseful at times, and not as gory as I was lead to believe. Definitely worth the rent.

Part 2: As a reluctant film critic, I was disappointed in each character's depth. I really liked what Tarantino brought to the screen, but I didn't get to know anyone, thus, I didn't really care if or when they died. Sure, Tarantino's ability to build suspense around a conversation (that ultimately leads to excitement) plays out nicely in this fictional war-time movie, but that alone can't carry the film. I also understand Tarantino's desire to be quirky, hence the miss-casting of Mike Myers and the guy who played Hitler, but again, it felt like a misfire.

Perhaps I should have seen Bastards when it first came out. Waiting in anticipation until a movie hits DVD can often lead to high expectations followed by disappointment, but what's a parent to do? In the end, I enjoyed Inglorious Bastards, but I was hoping for more.

I'm grooming my son to be a 49er fan. This includes reminding him of better days, setting him up for failure, almost succeeding year in and year out, and making him cry so he can get used to the pain. If I do my job right, he'll be grateful by the time they start playing better.

The Nike Trainer 1 Tiger Woods PE - These are some sweet shoes.

This would be a hilarious ad promoting used BMWs if the girl didn't look 15.

A new Robin Hood movie. I'm all in.

Great PSA.

I want a leather-wrapped whiskey glass. I don't even drink whiskey, but the glass is a nostalgic piece I would like to have. If you know where I can find a cool one, let me know.

Add it to the list:
Rudy Fernandez has surgery on his back and will be sidelined for 6 weeks. Go Blazers! Oh yeah, and apparently Tiger Woods has been big pimpin' for quite some time.

Pass the Popcorn: G.I. Joe Rise of Cobra

"And knowing is half the battle." These are the types of lines that made the cartoon so good. But for live action...not so much. It's too bad. The franchise could have really benefited from a Batman Begins vibe, but instead, we got a lesser Transformers. The graphics were lame and over-the-top, the acting was mostly forced, and there might have been more flashbacks than actual movie. As much as it pains me to say it, I don't recommend wasting your time on G.I. Joe. And knowing is half the battle.

Oden Goes Down

Greg Oden became the Trail Blazers' latest injury bug victim. Hell, even Coach McMillen ruptured his right achilles tendon just so he wouldn't feel left out. What was once the deepest (albeit young) team in the league is now scrambling to fill its roster. Oden's injury, however, hurts the most as it's yet another reminder that even though he's a dominant big man when healthy, the Blazers probably can't build a team around him. I'm not going to dog on GO's talent. He's a force in the paint. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter how good you are if you're on the sidelines more than on the court.

I don't know where the Blazers go from here. But no matter how they get there, it's going to be an uphill battle.

Pass the Popcorn: Star Trek

J.J. Abrams did a good job at injecting new life into an old franchise. You know a movie is well made when it's almost over and it feels like it just started. He handled the back stories well and didn't get too bogged down in computer animation. A good time all across the board. The special features also give serious movie fans some good insight on his craft.

Fantasy Football, Son!

After week 13, I should be 10-3. I've racked up the most league points, sit comfortably in second place (maybe even 1st after tonight), and am locked into the playoffs. Unfortunately, my running back core is inconsistent, which can be playoff death. It has forced my to lean heavily on my receivers for big points. Will I continue my streak of dominance? We shall see.

Pass the Popcorn: The Goods

Even though used car sales holds a special place in my bitter heart, The Goods was bad. It had a couple of laugh out loud moments, but too many over-the-top jokes dulled its wit. If you're really bored or drunk, it will suffice. But I can't recommend it in any other capacity.

Redneck Humor is Fun

Oregon vs Oregon State

It's amazing how crazy people get about the Civil War game. I dig it. It's a lot of fun, but since I didn't go to either school, it doesn't rule my day. If I have to listen one more guy who used to play at either school fumble his way through a generic interview on sports talk radio, I'm gonna shoot myself. Or quit listening to sports talk radio.

Seriously, I don't think I've heard a single ex-athlete interview that actually added any insight on the game. If you don't have enough real content to cover two weeks of pre-game converage, talk about something else.

GO DUCKS!